ICAR JRF Soil Science Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025 | AgriInsights
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ICAR JRF Soil Science 2025 Exam Pattern:
- Mode of Examination: The exam is conducted in an online mode, Computer Based Test (CBT).
- Duration: Candidates are allotted 120 minutes or 2 hours to complete the examination. It is essential to manage time efficiently during the exam.
- Type of Questions: The question paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each with four options. Candidates must select the correct answer.
ICAR JRF Soil Science Syllabus 2025
The syllabus is the foundation for exam preparation. Knowing the topics thoroughly is crucial for performing well in the ICAR JRF Soil Science Exam. The ICAR JRF Soil Science 2025 syllabus is extensive and covers a range of subjects relevant to Soil Science.Sub-Subjects:
- Agricultural Meteorology/ Agrometero
- Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry/ Soil Conservation and Water Management/ SWC/ Irrigation and Water Management,
- Agricultural Physics,
- Agricultural Chemicals,
- Environmental Science
UNIT-I:
Importance of Agriculture from a national perspective; basic principles of crop production, diversification, diversification of Agriculture, the principle of nutrient and water management, package of practices for rice, wheat sorghum, maize, chickpea, pigeon pea, potato, sugarcane, groundnut, major vegetable crops.Role of essential plant nutrients, deficiency symptoms, and management options. Structure and function of plant cells, cell division, Basic concept of plant physiology relating to crop production Biochemical compounds viz, carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, fats, liquid vitamins, and their function, developmental programmes relating to rural upliftment and livelihood security; organizational set up of agricultural education research and extension and future strategies for upgradation.
UNIT-II:
Volumetric and gravimetric analysis including complex metric methods, periodic classification of the element, Basic principle of instrumental analysis including spectro-photometry (Absorption and emission spectrography), Atomic structure –the elementary concept of radioactivity, element, and compound common ion effect, solubility product—hydrolysis of salts, buffer solution indicates equivalent weights and standard solution. Elementary concepts of organic compounds- nomenclature and classifications including hydrocarbons, alcohol, aldehydes, acids and esters, carbohydrates, fats and liquids, amino acids, and nucleic acids. Pesticides, their classification and uses; biopesticides and botanical pesticides.
UNIT-III:
Soil as a medium for plant growth, the composition of earth’s crust, weathering of rocks and minerals, components of soil- their importance, soil profile, soil partials- physical mineralogical and chemical nature.Mechanical analysis, Stokes law, assumptions, limitations, and applications. Soil, physical properties density, porosity, texture, soil structure, and their brief descriptions. Rheological properties in soils, calculations of porosity, and bulk density. Soil air-aeration, causes of poor aeration, factors affecting aeration, and the importance of plant growth. Soil temperature – sources and losses of soil heat. Factors affecting soil temperature, and its importance in plant growth. Soil water- structure of water, soil-water-energy relationship, classifications, surface tension, and movement in the soil. Soil colloids- properties, structure of silicate clay minerals, sources of negative charges, properties, kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite and vermiculite clay minerals, milli-equivalent concept, cation exchange capacity, anion exchange capacity, buffering of soils. Problem soils- acid, saline, sodic, and acid sulfate soils – their characteristics, formation, problems, and management. Irrigation, water quality, and its evaluation. Waterlogged soils- basic features, the distinction with upland soils.
UNIT-IV:
Essential plant nutrients- criteria of essentiality, functions for plant growth, mechanisms for movement and uptake of ions in soils and plants, Forms of nutrients in soils, deficiency symptoms on plants, luxury consumption, nutrient interactions, and chelated micronutrients. Soil fertility, evaluation and management for plant growth, soil testing, and fertilizer recommendations. Soil classifications- diagnostic surface and sub-surface horizons, soil survey- types, objectives, use land capability classifications. Remote sensing and its application in agriculture, SIS, GIS, and GPS- basic features and uses in agriculture, Elementary concepts of radioisotopes and uses in agriculture. Soil micro-organisms, Classifications, and their roles.Organic matter- decomposition, C: N ratios, mineralization and immobilization processes, humus, the role of organic matter in soil quality. Soil erosion, types, and control measures. Fertilizers and manures- classifications, NPK fertilizers, their reactions in soils, green manuring, recycling of organic wastes, composting. Soil and water pollution- sources, a brief idea about different soil pollutants, and their management.
Click Here to Download the ICAR JRF Soil Science Syllabus PDF
Winning Exam Strategies for ICAR JRF Soil Science:
Thorough Syllabus Understanding:- Begin with a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses within each topic and allocate study time accordingly.
- Create a realistic study schedule with dedicated time for each subject.
- Prioritize topics based on weightage and difficulty level.
- Refer to standard textbooks and study materials recommended by experts.
- Use previous years' question papers to understand the exam pattern and question types.
- Solve sample papers and take mock tests regularly to improve time management and accuracy.
- Revise key concepts and formulas consistently to reinforce learning.
- Stay informed about current developments in agriculture, environment, and related fields.
- Incorporate regular reading of newspapers, magazines, and online resources into your study routine.
- Ensure adequate sleep, regular breaks, and a balanced diet to maintain physical and mental well-being.
- Physical activity can help in stress management and improving concentration.
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